🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Charger / Coronet

Year:

1970

Vin Prefix:

WH23 for Coronet, XP29 for Charger

👋 Introduction

Market Positioning Vehicle:

Iconic muscle car and mid-size sedan/coupe representing American automotive performance and style of the late 1960s/early 1970s. The Charger was the performance-oriented flagship, while the Coronet offered a broader range of trims from economical to sporty.

Competitors Vehicle:

Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Plymouth Barracuda, Pontiac Firebird, Chevrolet Chevelle, Ford Torino

Key Vehicle Features:

Distinctive styling (Coke-bottle design), powerful V8 engine options, rear-wheel drive, spacious interiors, convertible and coupe body styles.

Manual Value:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and restore these classic Mopar vehicles. Provides the authoritative technical information originally used by dealership service departments.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Primarily North American market specifications

Trim Level Coverage:

All Charger and Coronet trim levels for 1970

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling systems

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, carburetion, emissions control (early systems)

Transmission:

Manual (3-speed, 4-speed) and Automatic (TorqueFlite A727, A833) transmission repair and overhaul

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential, axle shafts

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (ball joints, control arms, torsion bars), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering gear, power steering

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, brake fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator/generator), starting system, lighting, ignition system diagnostics, wiring diagrams

Body Chassis:

Body construction, sheet metal repair, doors, windows, convertible top mechanisms, interior trim, frame inspection

Heating Ac:

HVAC system operation, repair, and refrigerant handling (where applicable for AC)

Instrumentation:

Gauges, warning lights, speedometer, tachometer repair and calibration

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential rebuilds, suspension component replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions for various systems

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing individual parts and assemblies

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits, testing components, using wiring diagrams

Body Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, rust prevention, welding procedures

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting guides

Torque Specifications:

Extensive listing of torque values for all critical fasteners

Alignment Specs:

Front and rear wheel alignment specifications

Clearances Tolerances:

Precise internal engine, transmission, and axle clearances

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Print Quality Digital:

High-resolution scans, often including searchable text for ease of use

Binding Type Physical Equivalent:

Likely saddle-stitched or perfect bound (if it were a physical manual)

Paper Type Physical Equivalent:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments (e.g., coated paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

3.7L (225 cu in) Slant Six (I6)

Optional V8 Engines:

5.2L (318 cu in) V8, 5.6L (340 cu in) V8, 6.3L (383 cu in) V8, 7.0L (426 cu in) HEMI V8, 7.2L (440 cu in) V8

Horsepower Range:

145 hp (Slant Six) to 425 hp (426 HEMI)

Torque Range:

215 lb-ft (Slant Six) to 490 lb-ft (426 HEMI)

Carburetion:

Single 1-barrel (Slant Six), 2-barrel (318, 340, 383), 4-barrel (383, 440, 426 HEMI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for higher performance engines)

Engine Identification Codes:

Refer to manual for specific engine code decoding (e.g., E55 for 340 4-barrel, E71 for 440 Magnum, E86 for 426 HEMI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmissions:

4-speed manual transmission (A833), 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission (A727, A904 for some models)

Transmission Features:

Floor-mounted shifter for manual transmissions, column shifter for automatics, heavy-duty options for performance engines.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF (Type A, Suffix A) or equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

115 inches (Charger), 115 inches (Coronet models like sedan, wagon), 117 inches (Coronet hardtop coupe)

Length:

Approx. 198-208 inches (varies by body style)

Width:

Approx. 76 inches

Height:

Approx. 53-54 inches (coupes), higher for sedans/wagons

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,200 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to specific vehicle compliance plate, typically around 4,700 - 5,200 lbs

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 16-18 cubic feet (coupes)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No formal NHTSA or IIHS ratings available for this era. Safety was primarily passive.

Active Safety Features:

Power steering (optional), power brakes (optional front discs)

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (standard front lap belts, optional shoulder belts), padded dashboard, safety glass, collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional 8-track tape player, analog gauges, heater/defroster.

Driver Assistance Features:

None in the modern sense. Focus was on basic vehicle control and driver input.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No electronic connectivity options)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months (recommendation based on era and typical usage)

Tune Up Interval:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or 12 months (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, timing adjustment)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 24 months

Engine Oil Specification:

API Service SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. For high-performance or frequent hard use, 20W-50 may be preferred. Check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 5-7 quarts (varies by engine).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Common Issues:

Rust (especially wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans), carburetor tuning difficulties, ignition system reliability, suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), cooling system leaks, rear main seal leaks on V8 engines.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check and top off all fluids, inspect for leaks, maintain proper tire inflation, lubricate chassis components as per the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, founded in 1914, evolved into a manufacturer known for performance, innovation, and distinctive styling, particularly with its muscle car offerings.

Charger Evolution:

First introduced in 1966, the Charger evolved into a distinctive B-body muscle car in 1968. The 1970 model was the final year of the second generation, featuring a revised grille and minor styling tweaks.

Coronet Evolution:

The Coronet was Dodge's mainstream intermediate offering, available in various body styles (sedan, wagon, coupe). The Coronet R/T and Super Bee served as performance variants, often sharing powertrains with the Charger.

Production Location:

Primarily North American assembly plants (e.g., USA, Canada)

Production Volume 1970:

Charger: Approx. 49,704 units. Coronet: Approx. 131,119 units (across all body styles).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards History:

While specific awards are rare for individual model years of this era, the Dodge Charger and Coronet platforms were highly acclaimed for their performance and design, becoming cultural icons of the muscle car era.

Automotive Press Ratings:

Consistently praised by automotive press for performance, handling (especially for their class), and aggressive styling.

Manual Quality Certification:

Represents factory-authorized or equivalent detailed repair information.